In China's Cyberspace, Dissent Speaks Code

Want to escape the censor's scrutiny? Call the regime a 'heavenly dynasty.' Just don't get 'happiness-ified'

By

Xiao Qiang and

Perry Link

Jan. 4, 2013 9:10 p.m. ET

The rise of online platforms in China has given the Chinese people an unprecedented capacity for self-publishing and communication. Because they speak in a heavily monitored environment, however, these "netizens" must often voice their demands for greater freedom in coded language and metaphors that allow them to avoid outright censorship. Chinese cyberspace has given rise to a surprising number of new terms for exposing, criticizing and ridiculing the Communist Party. Largely invented by young gadflies, this lively...